Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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34. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the issues discussed at the recent North South Ministerial Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48711/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The most recent meeting of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) in plenary format was held in Armagh on 8 November 2013. This was the seventeenth Plenary meeting of the NSMC. At the meeting, discussions covered a wide range of financial, economic and EU matters including the economic challenges faced in both jurisdictions. Ministers reviewed the progress made on the areas of co-operation and by the North/South Bodies. The actions being undertaken by each Administration to help support economic recovery and the importance of attracting Foreign Direct Investment and ensuring adequate access to credit within the banking sector in each jurisdiction was recognised as was the disposal of assets by NAMA in ways which would support economic recovery in both jurisdictions. Ministers agreed that they should continue to prioritise economic recovery, job creation, the best use of public funds and the most effective delivery of services for their citizens.

The contribution of the Tourism Industry to both economies was highlighted, particularly the success of ongoing, initiatives including The GatheringIreland 2013 and the UK City of Culture celebrations. Ministers also looked forward to the hosting of the Giro d’Italia on the island in 2014. Opportunities for cooperation in developing trade links with emerging markets on an all-island basis were also discussed. Our Embassies continue to be available to assist trade missions from both parts of the island and individual companies from either North or South or on an all-island basis to take advantage of opportunities for mutual cooperation.

There was discussion about progress made to date under the Building a Prosperous and United Community economic package for Northern Ireland, and Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the package. The importance of European funding to both jurisdictions was recognised, particularly the new PEACE and INTERREG funding programmes and exploring further possibilities for mutually beneficial collaboration to draw down funding. There was also a discussion on youth unemployment. Ministers agreed that, where possible, we should work together to make the most of the common approaches being taken North and South to deal with this key issue for the whole island.

Following my recent visit to Derry I was pleased that we had an opportunity to discuss the North West Gateway Initiative and to encourage forward momentum on it. We noted that a report on the outcome of the consultation on the Initiative with key stakeholders in the North West will be brought to a future NSMC Institutional meeting.

With regard to the St Andrews Agreement Review, the Council agreed that Ministers will now consider their priorities for further co-operation in their respective sectoral areas. The outcome of this exercise will be considered at a future NSMC Institutional meeting. Immediately before the Plenary meeting the Taoiseach, First Minister, deputy First Minister and I attended a conference in Armagh, organized by the GAA, IRFU and IFA which explored the role of sport in reconciliation. During the Plenary meeting Ministers endorsed the ongoing collaboration between sporting organisations to tackle racism, sectarianism and division.

Ministers expressed their continuing support for the concept of the Narrow Water Bridge and asked for an urgent analysis of the issues involved, with the priority being not to lose the EU funding involved. We will continue to work closely and constructively on all of these issues with our Northern colleagues.